The History Of Rhodes Greece

Welcome to the history section of my website. Now the history of Rhodes Greece is of course an extremely in depth subject and there is so much to read and learn. When we talk about the history of Rhodes and Greece as a whole, there are libraries packed with information. So fitting it all onto this page is naturally an impossible task.

Very often people visit Rhodes, and because there is so much in the way of history here, they sometimes spend a lot of time figuring out what the best places to see are, and they lose time actually visiting them.

In this section on history, I will go through the different periods in history so you get a taste for all of them. From here you can go and see the Visit The Sites section where all this history is located.

What I want to do here, is introduce you to the history of Rhodes in a way that is not going to blow your mind.

We could of course go into details and talk about Helios (the Sun God) and Zeus (The Lord and Master Of the Earth) and many others regarding mythology, but I know this is some in depth material. I will of course be covering this, but I wanted to first go into the history of The Island Of Rhodes itself!

Now we can look at the history in chapters or era’s if you prefer to call it that. The history of Rhodes is a long story so it can be defined into the following categories.

When you look at the island of Rhodes as a whole, the history literally stares you in the face. From the Acropolis of Lindos to the Medieval Old City Of Rhodes you cannot visit the island and not notice it’s wonderful history!

Some of the ancient sites such as Kamiros and Filerimos are flooded with so much history and you cannot help but feel it as well as see it! The Temple Of Apollo is also another place that will take you back in time!

Holiday makers visit the island every year to see the sights in their millions just to get a taste of what the island has to offer, and many of them come back for more.

So Where Did Rhodes Come From?

The First Myth!

Well, the roots of Rhodes actually came from the poet Pindar according to ancient

myth. It is said that Zeus, as master of the earth wanted to subdivide the earth to all the Olympian Gods but Helios (the Sun God) was not present when this took place and was not included in the process!

Being angry with this wrongdoing, Helios upon his return made his feeling known to Zeus and he asked for the next land that would rise above sea level be claimed his own!

As this conversation was happening it can be said a miracle took place, as a beautiful island rose above the sea level. It was the island of Rhodes!

Helios went on to make this the most alluring island in all of the Aegean Sea!

The Second Myth

It is also said that the island of Rhodes stems from yet another myth.

This myth explains that Rhodos (the daughter of Poseidon – The God of the Sea) was the love of Helios! It is said that Helios was so in love with Rhodos that they were married and had seven sons and one daughter. One of these sons (Kerkafos) went on to have three children namely Lindos, Kamiros and Ialyssos!

These children then went onto build the three largest cities on the island, which are still here to this day! Lindos,Kameiros and Ialyssos!

Further Myths!

It is also thought that the daughter of Poseidon (Rhodos) took the name of the island on her own and others say the name Rhodes originated from the word ‘Rhodos’ as it is the Greek word for ‘rose’.

Which one do you prefer or believe? I personally like the first myth 🙂 but who is to say it is the correct one?

Now come and discover more about the history of Rhodes! If you have any comments or questions so far contact me and let know! Also, you are welcome to leave your comments at the bottom of various pages on the site too! I always love hearing what you have to say.

By the way, if you are a lover of history, be sure to check out The Rhodes Archaeological Museum section on this site. This place certainly is amazing and will really open your eyes into the history of the island.

Thanks!

Chris

Learn More About The History Of Rhodes Here. Click The Tour Buttons Below.

(50) Comments

Greek mythology is a fascinating subject. I remember learning a lot about it in school (not sure if they still teach that these days or not).

I would love to visit some of these historical sites in Greece one day, such as Rhodes and others. Looks like a really great place to do some cool photography, which is one of my favourite things to do when travelling.

I also studies a little Greek Mythology in school although I admit the tuition was somewhat limited. It was always covered in a class in brief, and there never seemed to be anything dedicated to it completely. I was always sorry for this. As you say, I am also not sure if it is part of the current curriculum for schools anymore.

Well, if you like photography, then Rhodes is certainly a place to have your camera at the ready. Naturally there are all the ancient sites as well as some amazing scenery. I think it would be perfect for you if it is one of your pastimes while on vacation.

Interesting article. Like you, after reading the myths of where the island of Rhodes came from, I preferred the first myth you mentioned.

I was wondering what famous people lived on the island of Rhodes during its long history. For instance what famous philosophers, physicians, writers, or artists have lived here during its long history that I would maybe know about?

I know that Hippocrates was a famous Greek Physician that came from Greece, did he have any known connection with the island of Rhodes?

In answer you your question, the list is vast when it comes to talking about people who have resided on the island of Rhodes in years past (this even includes right up until the present day).

Of course there was Chares Of Lindos, who was the brains behind the design and building of The Colossus Of Rhodes back in 280 BC.

There as also Hieronymus, the 3rd Century Poet, Diagoras – the 5th Century Boxing Champion (originally from the village of Ialyssos in Rhodes) + many more!

When you mention Hippocrates, he indeed was a Greek Physician but he was actually from the island of Kos back in the time of Classical Greece. Whether or not he actually visited Rhodes, I will be honest and say I do not know. I cannot find any material with reference to him visiting the island, but for sure it is not impossible that he did.

Actually, if you visit the medieval city in Rhodes, you will find a square, fountain and street inside there named named after him – Ippikratous!

More up to date, you will remember the actor Anthony Quinn, who stared in the film The Guns Of Navarone. Some of this film was shot on location in Rhodes, and he bought a small beach here, now called Anthony Quinn Bay! (Originally it was called Vagies Bay)!

David Gilmour, the main artist behind the rock band Pink Floyd also has property here on the island.

Did you know that an ancient name for Rodes is OPHIUSSA, and that same name OPHIUSSA is also the ancient name for Oestriminis, the Cónii-Lusiberian territory(present day, Portugal) in the most Ancient Western Atlantic Land of HIbéria ?

Such an interesting place, When i was a young man of about 18, i camped for a night in a rather secluded area and got a bit freaked out.

During the night it sounded like people were running past my tent and I could here shouting. When i investigated there was nobody there. I learned the next day that i was camping in an area where there was a battle in antiquity.

Well, here in Rhodes you might be interested to know that camping is not allowed at all!

There are no organized camping areas on the island. There used to be one in Faliraki, but back at the start of the Millennium it was closed down and made into apartments.

Also be warned, that camping out in the wild on the island of Rhodes is also forbidden. It is actually illegal. Some people do try to get away with it, especially on remote beaches, but it is not allowed.

More often than not, these people are moved on very quickly!

It is a shame though don’t you think? It would be lovely to spend the the night out under the stars with the warm evenings and the clear skies.

It can be dangerous though. The weather here gets very hot, and no chances can be taken when it comes to being in the wooded areas and cooking with an open flame or even smoking.

Lots of serious fires have occurred in the past through negligence, so in the end it is better to find a hotel 🙂

Thanks so much for letting me know that the information here helped you out.

I know home-schooling can be challenging and it is sometimes a struggle to find the information you need to complete the work needed.

There is a lot to learn when it comes to the history of Greece. Of course on this site I am only talking about the island of Rhodes, but if there is something more that you need that is not covered here just let me know. I will be happy to help you out 🙂

I like the second myth where Rhodes and Helios fell in love and had eight children. 🙂

I think the history of places in the world can be so interesting as everything is unique and has its own story.

I also love to travel and look forward to seeing many beautiful places in the world. It’s great to know more potential sites for my family and I to visit. Rhodes looks like a great choice with its appealing history.

I think all of us like a little romance on some level, and to understand that this particular romance lead to the naming of villages through the off-springs is certainly a nice touch 🙂

When it comes to the history of Rhodes, there is a lot to take in. Each place has its own story so there is a lot of information to absorb.

The good news is, the information is accessible. On the island you will see tour guides both in the form of someone happy to show you around and explain – as well as books too. This is also the idea behind my website.

Wherever you go there are also information boards explaining the history and origins of the places you are visiting. A lot of people take photographs of these too as there is a lot to read, and sometimes too much to remember.

Also there is the Archaeological Museum to check out. Again you will find a wealth of information here and it is amazing to look around.

Be sure to bookmark this site too. There is a lot more information coming, and eventually this will be a tour guide all on its own 🙂

Thanks for passing by. I appreciate it. If there is anything else you need please let me know.

Hello Jakob, nice to meet you. Thanks for reading and for leaving a comment with your thoughts too.

A lot of people do not know about the island of Rhodes. I was surprised by this as it is one of the top Greek destinations for tourists in Europe. But hey, you have heard of it now, so some knowledge gained 🙂

Like I said in this post, the history of the island dates back centuries. In my opinion, you could spend a lifetime studying it all and still not cover everything.

I wanted to mention the history though. I have done it mainly to be of interest to people who may wish to vacation here (or have already done so) and want to learn a little more. I will never intend for it to be a University Lecture 🙂 I agree too, paragraph after paragraph of intense information can be a little off putting!

During the summer months the island is dominated with tourism yes. They arrive in their thousands every day. There are of course the locals too. Of course during the winter months the tourist season closes. This leaves a quiet spell on the island for 4 months or so until the season opens once again for the holidays.

Of course it is great to know you have seen the island of Rhodes for yourself, and you know – a few beers sometimes is nice 🙂

On saying that, there are other things to do lol. There is a lot to see and if you can manage a small tour here and there, you can experience quite a lot. The beer can be sought after in the night time.

As you mention sunbathing too, I am going be be doing a lot of coverage on the different beaches here. Did you have a favorite during your stay last time?

If you manage another trip be sure to take some time to see the sites. You will really enjoy it. There is a lot to see, learn and appreciate. You will not regret it.

If the beer is absolutely necessary, let me know – I will join you for one or a few 🙂

I was so unaware that these things took place and now i’m walking away (or scrolling away) so informed. I feel like I have had a blast of the past.

I think more people should take an interest of what happened in the past, because it really is interesting to know and learn about our ancestors and how things we have and know and learn now, came to be.

I agree with you wholeheartedly too. I think it is so important to look back and understand history. Without it, life would not be as we know it today!

I appreciate all the things we have. Technology for one, the latest super cars, wonderful new buildings – the list goes on. But without foundations and past education in years gone by, I am sure the world would be a completely different place as we see it today.

I think too many of us accept what we have in today’s age, and a lot of people do not spare a though for the yester-years – what do you think?

It’s pretty fascinating how factual history and myths are intermingled.

I studied history too as I have a degree in social science and I’ve always deemed it almost impossible to completely discredit myths as being just ludicrous fantasy.

I find that myths are like little fables that speak of things that actually happened, but they couldn’t be seized properly by the minds of long gone observers. Hence, they were taken down on parchment in the form of stories that could be grasped more easily considering the kind of methods, tools and human development that were on hand.

This is a question that I can answer different to almost everyone, and it really comes down to personal choice.

For the best experience (in my opinion) think small! That is my advice – but what do i mean with this?

If I wanted a great experience, I would initially choose a small place to stay, not a big 5 star non personal hotel where you are simply a number. A nice small family run apartment would be just the ticket for me.

In the smaller places, you will be greeted with friendship, the best accommodation and comfort, the best food and not the food made in the big establishments. (you know – the food that feeds 2000 people). There is a large difference in quality.

With this in place as your roots, you are already on the right road to having a far better experience. Some of these small hotels have been around for years, and they have a lot of knowledge and advice when it comes to recommending good traditional food, culture and history.

When it comes to a vacation in Rhodes, I think 2 weeks is a good choice. 1 week is also fine, but holidays go fast, and sometimes you cannot get to see everything during a 1 week stay!

I hope your questions are answered here Alisa, but if you need more information just let me know 🙂

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